Police disperse demonstrators, detain five people in Ankara University

ANKARA

Police have attacked a group that gathered to protest against the sacking of 330 academics from their positions at Turkish universities by the Higher Education Board (YÖK), detaining five demonstrators at the Cebeci Campus of Ankara University, Doğan News Agency has reported. 

Police tightened security measurements after students announced plans for protests in and near the campus on Feb. 10. Students who sought to enter campus, were only allowed to do so after being subjected to ID checks. Some students and academics were reportedly refused entry to the campus.

With the tension rising, a brawl began after main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) lawmakers were prevented from entering to support the protest.

CHP deputies attempted to reach the rector or officials from the university as they waited at the gate after being prevented from entering by police.

A scuffle ensued between CHP lawmakers and police officers as police attempted to disperse demonstrators. 

Riot police attacked students and academics with tear gas and plastic bullets, detaining three students and two academics.